Whether you’re house training a puppy or have a newborn, chances are you could use a foolproof method for removing poop stains. Between the potent odor and the questionable color, poop stains in carpets, clothing, and other porous surfaces are not exactly pleasant to deal with—but the good news is they can be removed.
A little bit of elbow grease, the right products, and the correct technique will eliminate the poop stain and ensure there is no lingering odor. Ahead, you’ll find two tried-and-true stain removal methods from the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab; one to tackle poop stains on carpets and upholstery and the other to remove the unwanted stains from clothing. The best part is, you probably already have most of the necessary supplies on hand.
What You’ll Need
How to Remove Poop Stains From Carpet and Upholstery
To effectively remove poop stains from wall-to-wall carpets, area rugs, and upholstered furniture, use this three-ingredient homemade solution with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- First, grab a disposable paper towel and remove the bulk of the mess.
- Mix ½ tablespoon of dishwashing liquid like Dawn and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into 2 cups of warm water.
- Using a paper towel, sponge the poop stain with the homemade dish soap and vinegar solution, then blot until the liquid is absorbed.
- Repeat the process of applying the solution and blotting until the stain disappears or is no longer being absorbed into the cloth.
- If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain that remains even after repeated sponging and blotting, go a step further and use an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide. Before you do so, however, test the hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area to ensure it doesn’t harm the surface.
- If the stain remains, use an eyedropper to apply a drop or two of ammonia. (Warning: Skip the ammonia on wool carpets as it can discolor them.)
- Sponge with cold water and blot dry.
LAB TIP: To prevent lingering odors from attracting pets to soil the same spot on the carpet or sofa again and again, use Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor. Its enzyme-containing formula tackles stains and odors, and is safe to use on carpets, upholstery, mattress, and even the interior of your car.
How to Remove Poop Stains From Clothing
Parents with a newborn: Removing poop stains from clothing is actually a lot simpler than it may seem. Follow this two-step process to return onesies and other clothing items to like-new, no-funky-odor condition.
- Before you do anything else, remove the bulk of the poop with a disposable paper towel.
- Pretreat poop-stained clothing with a prewash stain remover, such as Shout Advanced Stain Removal Gel, or soak the stained garment in warm water with a gentle, enzyme-containing, stain-fighting laundry detergent.
- Launder the garment with chlorine bleach if the care tag confirms it’s safe for the fabric. Alternately you can use oxygen bleach like OxiClean.
How to Properly Dry the Cleaned Area
Once you have successfully removed the poop stain, take care to properly dry the area. For carpet and upholstery, once you have blotted the cleaned stain and removed as much excess liquid as possible, allow it to fully air dry. Wait for it to be completely dry before placing any furniture, blankets, or throw pillows on top the previously stained spot. As for clothing, check the care tag on the garment for drying directions to prevent shrinkage and other potential damage to the fabric.
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
